All posts for the month January, 2014

Well, we just passed the 10 day mark and things have been getting interesting. I’ve been hearing the mumblings of discontent, lack of energy, and the plain old pain in the butt that the paleo diet brings with it. I certainly understand all of this- in my first rodeo, I felt the same way! It is hard, demanding and requires some support to achieve- but it wouldn’t be a challenge without those. But, I can promise you- you are on the cusp of greatness. Right around day 14 you will feel amazing! The cravings will be gone, your hormones will balance, you’ll sleep better than you have in years, and then you’ll know why there are some crazies out there that live this way!!

In the next week or two, you’ll establish your menu and shopping list regulars. You’ll find the easy peasy- no planning necessary meals you can throw together in a pinch (which seems to be my entire menu) and you’ll start to find the websites, blogs and style of paleo that best fits you.

Now here is what G2 Fitness, LLC has got going in the kitchen this week- some new delicious recipes and some old staples. Enjoy!

Saturday: Chicken Wings & Fries
It’s NFL playoff season, so you gotta eat within the required football food groups- including crispy, spicy buffalo wings. And you can’t have wings without some type of finger food to go with it- so sweet potato fries it is! These chicken wings are hard to beat, and couple them with some delicious paleo ranch- and it’s just like the real thing!!

Sunday: Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash
This recipe is a favorite in our house- and really the pesto can’t be beat. I use it on our cheat days for pesto flatbread!! There is just something amazing about fresh herbs and spices- some nuts- and delicious sundried tomatoes!! Yum!!

Tuesday: Pizza Casserole
Who doesn’t love pizza? And who doesn’t miss a delicious chessy casserole while eating paleo? Well rest assured- we’ve now got you covered!! Add some diced Applegate nitrate free Pepperoni to make it even better!!!

The name says it all! Find a delicious steak cut that you love!! Then cook that steak however you love. Then stem, roast or bake up some veggies to go with it! Or- if you’re feeling extra froggy, give the spinach salad with hot bacon dressing a try from Week 1.

Thursday: Italian Sausages & Peppers

Last but not least is a delicious crockpot meal inspired by our own Rachel D!! Bust out the old crockpot- add some Italian sausages (ensure no added sugar- minimal preservatives!!), some sliced peppers (green & red), some sliced white onion, and a couple cans of fire roasted tomatoes!! Let that simmer in the crockpot 3-4 hours on high (checking the moisture levels to ensure everything stay juicy). Then devour!!

So- with the NFL playoffs and College Bowl Season happening as we speak, it is probably time to talk snacks and appetizers!! There are sooo many options, it’s unbelievable- and most contain bacon (yes!!)!! So here we go….

Bacon Wrapped Deliciousness:
There aren’t too many things that aren’t better with the addition of bacon, particularly sweet things. Sweet and salty (and crunchy) is hard to beat!! Here are some great combinations of bacon wrapped deliciousness.

Bacon Wrapped Peaches– cut a fresh peach into wedges, or use frozen peaches!

Also try: Prosciutto Wrapped Melon!!

For all bacon wrapped bites: Cook at 375 degrees until bacon is crispy. Broil 2-3 minutes to crisp bacon more if needed!

<strong>Sammie and Roll-ups:
Sandwiches and wraps are always a gameday staple, but with no bread or processed wraps, it can get hard to get ideas. Here are a couple options!!

Italian Sub Roll-up: Using a green lettuce leaf as a wrap, layer your favorite lunch meats, including ham, salami, pepperoni and turkey to make a thick wrap. Add some tomato, avocado and pickles if desired. Top with a little red wine vinegar.

Lettuce Wrap Turkey Taco: Brown up some ground turkey. Then add this taco seasoning mix. Crest tacos with the taco meat and some pico de gallo!!

Bacon Guacamole Sammie: Create bite sized Sammie’s using bacon as the bread and fill with guacamole. Try Wholly Guacamole (available at any store) or make your own!

Chicken Anything:
Buffalo chicken is a staple of just about any football season diet. Try one of these awesome recipes to get a paleo version! Franks Red Hot is as close to paleo as you can get- or order Tessamae’s online to ensure your compliant. (Tessamae’s also offers various flavors- worth checking out)

Buffalo Chicken Wings: I discovered this recipe this summer- and it’s still a go-to in our house. The chicken comes out crispy and delicious! Follow the directions precisely, and they’ll turn out great! Primal Bite Chicken Wings.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: Make this recipe paleo by substituting almond flour for the bread crumbs and cutting out the blue cheese. Chicken Balls.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Honey Mustard: This is so easy!! Brown a 1lb-2lb batch of chicken tenderloins on the stove top. Wrap with bacon- then bake at 375 degrees till bacon is crisp. While chicken bakes, add equal parts Grey Poupon Mustard and raw honey. Mix into a dressing. Add additional honey or mustard to taste.

Paleo Nachos:
Who doesn’t love some delicious nachos?!?! Here are 2 recipes to fulfill that craving using veggies and chicken. Add ground beef with homemade taco seasoning to change it up!

Loaded Paleo Nachos: Homemade sweet potato chips with chicken and guacamole. DELICIOUS!! This recipe is tried, true and a staple in our house!!